First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1leak
verb \ˈlēk\
: to let something (such as a liquid or gas) in or out through a hole in a surface
of a liquid, gas, etc. : to come in or go out through a hole in a surface
: to give (secret information) to someone so that it becomes known to the public
Full Definition of LEAK
intransitive verb
1
a : to enter or escape through an opening usually by a fault or mistake <fumes leak in> b : to let a substance or light in or out through an opening
2
a : to become known despite efforts at concealment <confidential information leaked out> b : to be the source of an information leak
transitive verb
1
: to permit to enter or escape through or as if through a leak
2
: to give out (information) surreptitiously <leaked the story to the press>
— leak·er \ˈlē-kər\ noun
See leak defined for English-language learners
See leak defined for kids
Origin of LEAK
Middle English leken, liken, from or akin to Middle Dutch leken; akin to Old English hlec leaky, Old High German zelehhan, Old Norse leka to leak and probably to Old English leccan to moisten, Middle Irish legaid it melts
2leak
noun
Full Definition of LEAK
1
a : a crack or hole that usually by mistake admits or lets escape b : something that permits the admission or escape of something else usually with prejudicial effect
2
: the act, process, or an instance of leaking
3
sometimes vulgar : an act of urinating —used especially in the phrase take a leak
— leak·proof \ˈlēk-ˌprüf\ adjective
See leak defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LEAK
15th century
LEAKER Defined for Kids
1leak
verb \ˈlēk\
leakedleak·ing
Definition of LEAK for Kids
1
: to enter or escape or let enter or escape through an opening usually by accident <Fumes were leaking in.>
2
: to let a substance or light in or out through an opening <The roof was leaking.>
3
: to make or become known <Don't leak this secret.>
2leak
noun
Definition of LEAK for Kids
1
: a crack or hole that accidentally lets something pass in or out <I fixed the boat's leak.>
2
: the accidental or secret passing of information <a security leak>
3
: an act or instance of leaking <a slow leak>
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